What Does Incapacitated Mean in Elder Law & Estate Planning?

Avon Lake Estate planning attorney

when working with an attorney to prepare for your future and address the challenges associated with aging, you will likely come across the term “incapacitated.” Incapacitated Definition Someone who is incapacitated cannot make personal decisions or understand legal documents. An Read More …

Yes, There Can Be Disadvantages To Naming Beneficiaries

estate planning beneficiary

Although in many situations the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when selecting beneficiaries, there are always exceptions. What Is a Beneficiary? Beneficiaries  are individuals who you select to receive money, various other assets, or specific bequests (such as sentimental items) upon Read More …

How Long Do Wills Last? Questions About Last Wills and Testaments

How Long Does a Will Last

Does a will expire? Is a will prepared over 20 years ago still valid? Starting an estate plan can be overwhelming, and when it comes to the last will and testaments you probably have many questions. You are not alone. Read More …

What Are Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts?

Elder Law Attorney Cleveland to help protect assets from Medicaid

Medicaid is a state- and federally funded health program for lower-income persons of all ages. For applicants who fall into certain categories, Medicaid imposes specific rules on how much income and resources they can have and still qualify for benefits. Read More …

Eight Useful Tips for Bringing Up Estate Planning

Estate Planning and Elder Law

Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will, as well as a big-picture plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of.  During this season of upcoming holidays, Read More …

Keeping Your Emergency Contacts and Medical Information Accessible

estate planning attorney in Cleveland

If medical personnel are able to access your medical history during an emergency, it could mean the difference between life and death. But if, for example, you are injured, in shock, suffering from dementia, or are otherwise incapacitated, you may Read More …

Qualify For Medicaid With a “Miller” Trust

Miller Trust Attorney Cleveland

In order to qualify for Medicaid, the applicant’s income must fall below a certain level. Most states allow individuals to spend down any income above this level on their care until they reach the state’s income standard. But in some Read More …

Estate Planning: Considerations When You Have a Stepfamily

Step family Estate Planning

Ideally, when a second marriage joins two families together, it should be a joyous occasion that creates one bigger blended family unit. Unfortunately, when the estate plan lacks clarity, it too often also creates inheritance fights between stepparents and children. Read More …

Why Everyone Over 60 Should Update Their Estate Plan

when to review estate plan

How frequently you should review your estate plan depends on how old you are and whether there has been a significant change in your circumstances. If you are over age 60 and you haven’t updated your estate plan in many Read More …